Sr. Buyer

TI Automotive; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

TI Automotive in Auburn Hills, MI seeks a Senior Commodity Buyer to own the commercial strategy and performance of assigned commodities, driving cost competitiveness and supplier performance.

You will partner across Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Program Management to develop sourcing strategies, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships to deliver measurable business results. This leadership role requires 10+ years in automotive purchasing and proven cost-reduction success.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in automotive purchasing, strategic sourcing, or commodity management.
• Proven experience managing an assigned commodity or commodity segment.
• Demonstrated results in supplier negotiations, cost reduction, and supplier performance management.

Responsibilities

• Own the commodity and develop/execute sourcing strategies that meet cost, quality, and supply continuity objectives.
• Lead the commercial relationship: supplier selection, negotiations, contracts, pricing strategies, and long-term partnerships.
• Deliver financial results by owning budgets, cost performance, and annual savings targets.
• Optimize the supply base by evaluating market trends, supplier capabilities, localization opportunities, and supply risks.
• Drive supplier performance by leading commercial escalations and collaborating with Operations Procurement to resolve issues.
• Influence business decisions by partnering with Engineering, Finance, Operations, and Program Purchasing on product development and sourcing.
• Champion continuous improvement to reduce cost, mitigate risk, and enhance supplier capabilities across the portfolio.

Skills

Negotiation

RFQ/RFP processes

Cost analysis

Microsoft Excel

Prioritization

Stakeholder management

Project closure

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Senior Commodity Buyer owns the commercial strategy and performance of assigned commodities, driving cost competitiveness, supplier performance, and supply base optimization. This role partners across Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Program Management to develop sourcing strategies, lead negotiations, manage supplier relationships, and deliver measurable business results.

Responsibilities of Position:

• Own the commodity. Develop and execute sourcing strategies that achieve cost, quality, supply continuity, and business growth objectives.
• Lead the commercial relationship. Manage supplier selection, negotiations, contracts, pricing strategies, and long-term supplier partnerships.
• Deliver financial results. Own commodity budgets, cost performance, annual savings targets, and value engineering initiatives.
• Optimize the supply base. Evaluate market trends, supplier capabilities, localization opportunities, and supply risks to strengthen long-term competitiveness.
• Drive supplier performance. Lead commercial escalations, monitor supplier performance, and collaborate with Operations Procurement to resolve business-critical issues.
• Influence business decisions. Partner with Engineering, Finance, Operations, and Program Purchasing to support product development, sourcing decisions, and customer profitability.
• Champion continuous improvement. Identify opportunities to improve cost, reduce risk, and enhance supplier capabilities across the commodity portfolio.

Skill Requirements:

• Strong negotiation and commercial management skill.
• Experience with RFQ/RFP processes and supplier evaluation
• Proficiency in cost analysis and total cost of ownership analysis
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and sourcing activities concurrently
• Strong communication, influence, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to drive projects to closure

Requirements:

• 10+ years in automotive purchasing, strategic sourcing, or commodity management
• Demonstrated experience managing an assigned commodity or commodity segment
• Proven results in supplier negotiations, cost reduction, supplier performance management
• Valid passport and driver's license.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work at a personal computer for extended periods of time.